In a thrilling conclusion to the FIDE World Rapid Team Championship 2025 in London, Team MGD1, spearheaded by Arjun Erigaisi, clinched the title, marking a historic moment for Indian chess. What makes this victory particularly noteworthy is the contribution of two lesser-known Indian players, Atharvaa P. Tayade and Pranav V, whose performances proved crucial to the team's success.

MGD1 navigated a challenging field with resilience and strategic brilliance throughout the tournament. The team's journey culminated in a decisive final day where they won all four matches, securing their place at the top of the leaderboard. With 10 match wins, one draw, and one loss out of 12 matches, MGD1 finished with an impressive 21 match points.

Atharvaa P. Tayade, an amateur player on the team, emerged as a standout performer. Before the final round, Atharvaa maintained a perfect score, winning all 11 of his games and becoming a critical factor in MGD1's consistency. Despite losing his final game, his overall performance showcased his skills and contributed significantly to the team's success. His performance has drawn comparisons to Pang Bo, who had a similarly impressive run in 2024. Arjun Erigaisi also revealed that he lost to Atharvaa in a match in 2012. Beyond chess, Atharvaa's accomplishments include attending IIT and pursuing studies at IIM.

Adding to the team's triumph, Pranav V delivered a pivotal victory in the final round against Ivan Šarić of Malcolm's Mates. This win secured the match and the championship for MGD1. Pranav's crucial performance underscores his importance to the team's dynamic and his ability to perform under pressure. Pranav V, born on October 13, 2006, is an Indian Grandmaster who has already achieved significant milestones in his young career. In March 2025, he won the World Junior Chess Championship, joining the ranks of Viswanathan Anand and Pentala Harikrishna as one of the few Indians to claim the title.

Team MGD1's victory at the World Rapid Team Championship is more than just a win; it's a testament to the depth of talent in Indian chess. While established stars like Arjun Erigaisi and Pentala Harikrishna bring their expertise, the emergence of players like Atharvaa P. Tayade and Pranav V highlights the bright future of the sport in India. As the team moves on to the Blitz section of the championship, their success in the rapid section serves as a strong foundation and a source of inspiration.

The contributions of Atharvaa and Pranav exemplify the blend of seasoned expertise and fresh talent that defines Team MGD1. Their remarkable performances have not only helped secure a prestigious title but have also shone a spotlight on the emerging stars of Indian chess, promising a bright future for the nation in the world of competitive chess.